Alterations

November 1, 2023
A Chinese Canadian daydreamer faces the tough realities of school and family life. Navigating a recently divorced mom, a moody older sister, and a weird grandmother at home, 10-year-old Kevin seeks refuge in his comics. In addition to eagerly awaiting the next issue of Star Odysseys, Kevin imagines and draws his own deep-space adventures. School life comes with further challenges--his former friend (and maybe crush) Lily hates his guts, and as one of his school's few Asian kids, he's subject to a fair amount of casual racism. When Kevin brings a century egg to school, he sets off a disastrous chain of events that culminates in a thrilling transformation. Mostly taking place over the course of a week in 1994, the story feels a little disjointed at times, with Kevin's fantasy world intercutting his real-life struggles. The cultural specificity and humor shine, however: From Kevin's refreshing lack of self-consciousness about the century egg and his mom's backbreaking work at the family's clothing alterations business to his popo's love of game shows, the portrayals are authentic and lovingly complex. Most characters who populate Kevin's Toronto are white, except for his family and his two Asian friends (one is Japanese and white, and the other is Chinese from Hong Kong). The detailed, loosely drawn illustrations emphasize the characters' emotions and convey a sense of bustling energy. A busy, evocative slice of school life and the trials of a second-generation immigrant. (Graphic fiction. 8-12)

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December 11, 2023
In 1990s Toronto, life for Chinese Canadian, comic book–loving middle schooler Kevin Lee is as tumultuous as the roller coaster at his favorite theme park, Thrill Planet. Kevin’s father recently left the family, his mother works long hours as a tailor, and Popo, his grandmother, is “too loud, says weird things, and smells like old people.” At school, Kevin hangs out with a group of boys known as “the Asians” and resents feeling invisible—until he becomes infamous as “Egg Boy” after bringing an egg dish to school for lunch. Even his crush seems to dislike him. Popo advises him to “take ownership” of the situation, but it’s not as easy as simply claiming the name Egg Boy; it requires taking risks and being as brave as the characters in his favorite comic, Star Odysseys. A school trip to Thrill Planet is exactly the chance he needs. In this cathartic graphic novel debut, Xu renders Kevin and his family with lighthearted flair, depicting them as abundantly expressive characters who each sport giant specs. Much of the protagonists’ charm stems from the fact that they all complain loudly (and legitimately) about their own plight while tending to one another’s woes with humor and tenderness. Ages 8–12.

January 1, 2024
Kevin Lee, a 1990s Chinese Canadian boy, struggles with being invisible among his peers, but somehow lands in the spotlight at the most embarrassing moments. When he brings preserved eggs to middle school for lunch, he becomes a laughingstock and gains the nickname "Egg Boy." Then in gym class he throws a basketball and accidentally hits the substitute teacher, knocking out a tooth. His parents' divorce doesn't make his life any easier: his older sister resents taking on extra responsibilities as she prepares for college, while his mother barely makes ends meet running an alterations shop. When Popo, his maternal grandmother, arrives from China, she reminds him that "today's pain is tomorrow's strength." Xu's coming-of-age graphic novel follows Kevin's ups and downs as he strives to fit in at school, get along with his sister, and help his mom. He takes refuge in a fantasy world of comics depicted by lively, action-packed panels -- a world that later comes to life at an amusement park. Amusing facial expressions and gestures capture the distinctive persona of each character and their interactions. Themes of sacrifice, survival, and love abound in a multidimensional story of navigating the bumpy terrain of family tensions and resilience across generations. Jerry Dear

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

February 1, 2024
Grades 3-7 Kevin Lee is a second-generation Chinese American kid living in Toronto with his mom, sister, and grandma. He's an aspiring comic artist with quite the imagination, but home life hasn't been easy lately: between his mom working long hours at the family alteration shop, having to share a room with his older sister, and dealing with the absence of his father, Kevin is struggling. Things at school aren't much better--after an incident that earned him the nickname ""Egg Boy,"" he's been doing everything he can to remain invisible and fly under the radar. While on a school field trip to the local amusement park, Kevin takes matters into his own hands in order to change his image. Unfortunately, this involves a daring ride on a roller coaster deemed unsafe for passengers! Inspired by Xu's own experiences growing up in Toronto in the 1990s, this touching coming-of-age story comes through in playful artwork and offers excellent insight into the difficulties of middle school, especially if you already feel like an outsider. A great pick for fans of Pedro Mart�n's Mexikid (2023).

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2024
Kevin Lee, a 1990s Chinese Canadian boy, struggles with being invisible among his peers, but somehow lands in the spotlight at the most embarrassing moments. When he brings preserved eggs to middle school for lunch, he becomes a laughingstock and gains the nickname "Egg Boy." Then in gym class he throws a basketball and accidentally hits the substitute teacher, knocking out a tooth. His parents' divorce doesn't make his life any easier: his older sister resents taking on extra responsibilities as she prepares for college, while his mother barely makes ends meet running an alterations shop. When Popo, his maternal grandmother, arrives from China, she reminds him that "today's pain is tomorrow's strength." Xu's coming-of-age graphic novel follows Kevin's ups and downs as he strives to fit in at school, get along with his sister, and help his mom. He takes refuge in a fantasy world of comics depicted by lively, action-packed panels -- a world that later comes to life at an amusement park. Amusing facial expressions and gestures capture the distinctive persona of each character and their interactions. Themes of sacrifice, survival, and love abound in a multidimensional story of navigating the bumpy terrain of family tensions and resilience across generations.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)